What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise #1
Rise
It starts as a fever. A debilitating virus emerges in India and quickly burns its way through the densely populated areas of Asia. The victims suffer for days even weeks on end until finally succumbing. Streets are empty and major cities are mere graveyards Because of the slow killing nature of the virus, attempts to contain it to one continent seemingly work at first, but human smuggling into infection-free areas cause the virus to break borders globally. Darren Reynolds is a foot doctor and survival enthusiast. For years he has made it a hobby to collect all things survival, knowledge and goods. Despite the fact that the United States is fortress America, he knows the virus won’t stay out forever. When news breaks that the virus is on American soil, he is ready to hunker down. He will do anything to protect his family from what threatens to wipe out mankind. But Darren soon learns, things aren’t what they seem. The threat of man’s extinction will not come from the virus. It will come from what rises in the aftermath.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2020
679 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 5, 2020
Dreadful
Absolute mess of a novel in desperate need of an editor.
The story is bizarre. I understand what she was trying to do. While the characters are likable the premise is just plain bad.
P
Absolute mess of a novel in desperate need of an editor.
The story is bizarre. I understand what she was trying to do. While the characters are likable the premise is just plain bad.
P
April 11, 2020
While it begins as a virus novel with a global pandemic emerging in populous India, Rise quickly morphs into an archeological dig that unearths three kinds of vampires. There are eaters, posers and reverts, none of which are particularly well explained. They're tackled by a mismatched band of characters, led by a doomsday prepper podiatrist called Darren, who happily masquerades as a doctor and is handy with a spear gun and a super-soaker of bull piss, but, at the same time, is someone who prepared for the zombie apocalypse and was willing to pay $50,000 per person to buy into a luxury bunker in another state, sight unseen. I think bullshit might have been a better metaphor...
I suspect Druga couldn't really make up her mind on a story line, so kept morphing this (largely terrible) book from genre to genre, forgetting that virus fiction readers like some basis in reality & science fiction readers like far fetched. It's not well written, nor well-planned, and, as with many half-arsed adventures, it deliberately leaves you hanging at the end in the vain hope that someone might care enough to read a sequel.
I suspect Druga couldn't really make up her mind on a story line, so kept morphing this (largely terrible) book from genre to genre, forgetting that virus fiction readers like some basis in reality & science fiction readers like far fetched. It's not well written, nor well-planned, and, as with many half-arsed adventures, it deliberately leaves you hanging at the end in the vain hope that someone might care enough to read a sequel.
February 23, 2020
I have read 27 of Jackie Druga's books, and I usually love them. Of those 27, this is only the 3rd that I DNF'd. I just didn't care. I didn't engage with any of the characters, so none of them mattered to me. There's a lot of people thrown at you in the first chapters of this book, but each chapter is so short that you never really get a sense of who they are or what their story is. I had to keep backtracking to remember who was where doing what with whom.
In the end, at the 37% mark I decided to call it quits. I have a million other books that need to be read, so I won't waste anymore time on a plot or characters I don't care about. I still love Jackie Druga, but I did not love this book.
In the end, at the 37% mark I decided to call it quits. I have a million other books that need to be read, so I won't waste anymore time on a plot or characters I don't care about. I still love Jackie Druga, but I did not love this book.
March 30, 2021
This is a dire fantasy.
Dire plot, dire characters, dire dialogue.
Fantasy spellings, fantasy grammar, fantasy punctuation.
I finished it because Goodreads tells me I'm 5 books behind in my reading challenge, and it's a short.
Dire plot, dire characters, dire dialogue.
Fantasy spellings, fantasy grammar, fantasy punctuation.
I finished it because Goodreads tells me I'm 5 books behind in my reading challenge, and it's a short.
July 2, 2022
There have been many books written about vampirism, and we get it.
However, here comes Jacqueline Druga with fresh approach that expands on the centuries old theme. The author eases you into the story line, allowing you to adjust to your perceptions of this alternate society. Then, once you have an understanding of the social aspects of an ancient culture brought back to life, Jacqueline let's you have it full force.
I am not a fan of vampires, but this book captured my attention and I found myself making time to read the book outside of my normal reading regimen.
This was an interesting read, the kind you do not mind stepping outside of your comfort zone to experience. I highly recommend the author's offering.
However, here comes Jacqueline Druga with fresh approach that expands on the centuries old theme. The author eases you into the story line, allowing you to adjust to your perceptions of this alternate society. Then, once you have an understanding of the social aspects of an ancient culture brought back to life, Jacqueline let's you have it full force.
I am not a fan of vampires, but this book captured my attention and I found myself making time to read the book outside of my normal reading regimen.
This was an interesting read, the kind you do not mind stepping outside of your comfort zone to experience. I highly recommend the author's offering.
March 14, 2020
Good storyline but need a professional editor
I was excited about the plot but as I got into the book, I realized that the characters were not very deep. I would normally overlook that and continue to read on just for the entertainment value. But I just couldn't continue. I made it about halfway through. Ms. Druga has great story ideas and puts unique spins on the apocolypse genre but her books are poorly edited. Numerous grammitical errors and weird gaps that don't make sense. I hate to give a negative review but I've seen this over and over in numerous books she writes. Please Ms. Druga...address this editorial problem and I would love to continue to read your stories.
I was excited about the plot but as I got into the book, I realized that the characters were not very deep. I would normally overlook that and continue to read on just for the entertainment value. But I just couldn't continue. I made it about halfway through. Ms. Druga has great story ideas and puts unique spins on the apocolypse genre but her books are poorly edited. Numerous grammitical errors and weird gaps that don't make sense. I hate to give a negative review but I've seen this over and over in numerous books she writes. Please Ms. Druga...address this editorial problem and I would love to continue to read your stories.
December 31, 2020
This book was a real struggle. I will say it was a quick read and I did finish the book, but just barely. The book was horribly edited and made reading difficult. The story was so outlandish with no effort put into some explanation. Seemed like, oh, this exists and has always existed and you just need to accept it. I mean, I know that is the case for most fantasy and dystopian stories, but this was so outlandish that I couldn’t enjoy the story.
I have several other Jacqueline Druga books in my To Read list but now thinking I’ll remove them if they will be of similar quality.
I absolutely do not recommend this book. However I gave it 2 stars because it was a quick read and I did make it to the end without stopping, although that was iffy at many points in the book.
I have several other Jacqueline Druga books in my To Read list but now thinking I’ll remove them if they will be of similar quality.
I absolutely do not recommend this book. However I gave it 2 stars because it was a quick read and I did make it to the end without stopping, although that was iffy at many points in the book.
January 14, 2020
Wow. Not what I expected. Better.
I do not know where Jackie Druga comes up with her stories! I am amazed that they all are so different, unique and most of all entertaining. This book is no different. It grabbed me from the first page and took me on a adventure where every page surprised me with words or actions. This is a mixture of apocalyptic to ancient beings to fantasy to reality...sometimes a reality of a ending that is not the romance version of a happily ever after.
Spoiler alert: Holy dodo.
I do not know where Jackie Druga comes up with her stories! I am amazed that they all are so different, unique and most of all entertaining. This book is no different. It grabbed me from the first page and took me on a adventure where every page surprised me with words or actions. This is a mixture of apocalyptic to ancient beings to fantasy to reality...sometimes a reality of a ending that is not the romance version of a happily ever after.
Spoiler alert: Holy dodo.
January 22, 2020
Apocalypse with a twist!
I love books that combine a little bit of historical fiction. A very plausible story of what if? What if we had a worldwide pandemic? What if things that go bump in the night do exist? What if? The characters are engaging and funny. The story moved at a fast pace and kept me laughing at times. We meet a Prepper that has ensured that his family will survive the end of the world. Along the way he meets people that will join the fight to save humanity. The book has an ending with no cliffhanger. But I hope there is another book.
I love books that combine a little bit of historical fiction. A very plausible story of what if? What if we had a worldwide pandemic? What if things that go bump in the night do exist? What if? The characters are engaging and funny. The story moved at a fast pace and kept me laughing at times. We meet a Prepper that has ensured that his family will survive the end of the world. Along the way he meets people that will join the fight to save humanity. The book has an ending with no cliffhanger. But I hope there is another book.
July 10, 2020
An off day for Druga
i am a big fan of Jacqui Druga and was shocked with this book, it's disjointed and doesn't flow like her normal stories,
There are so many unneeded full stops, sometimes in the middle of sentences.
It's also childlike in the telling that I thought it might be for younger readers.
The spelling is bad in several places ,ie instead of access it was asses!
It was also funny constantly talking about bogs at the start of the book which in England is a crude name for a toilet!.
Disappointed but still a fan.
i am a big fan of Jacqui Druga and was shocked with this book, it's disjointed and doesn't flow like her normal stories,
There are so many unneeded full stops, sometimes in the middle of sentences.
It's also childlike in the telling that I thought it might be for younger readers.
The spelling is bad in several places ,ie instead of access it was asses!
It was also funny constantly talking about bogs at the start of the book which in England is a crude name for a toilet!.
Disappointed but still a fan.
January 19, 2020
I have read loads of her books. This is a bit different but it kept me interested.
I’m hoping there are more as, to me, no real finish to the story. And I need it.
I can’t say much as it would give spoilers. But I will say Ammon is my favorite character.
Yes, as one reviewer put, there is some profanity but I could care less. I have a sailors mouth so it doesn’t bother me.
Here’s hoping there’s another book, as I’ll be reading it.
Could use some minor editing but didn’t hurt the story.
I’m hoping there are more as, to me, no real finish to the story. And I need it.
I can’t say much as it would give spoilers. But I will say Ammon is my favorite character.
Yes, as one reviewer put, there is some profanity but I could care less. I have a sailors mouth so it doesn’t bother me.
Here’s hoping there’s another book, as I’ll be reading it.
Could use some minor editing but didn’t hurt the story.
January 22, 2020
Good read
Yep she's done it again, another good book, could this be heading for another series?? Hope so. Slightly different angle in this one, but still loads of stuff going on. Can't wait t
Well yet another blinding book, slightly different angle from the norm but still just as riveting. Could this be heading for another series??? I hope so...
It's a definite must read, once you start you won't be able to put it down
Yep she's done it again, another good book, could this be heading for another series?? Hope so. Slightly different angle in this one, but still loads of stuff going on. Can't wait t
Well yet another blinding book, slightly different angle from the norm but still just as riveting. Could this be heading for another series??? I hope so...
It's a definite must read, once you start you won't be able to put it down
January 15, 2020
Not really vampires!
Follow a family and others they band with after an archaeologist unknowingly releases an old species that live on and convert humans. They are lead by a hierarchy with plans to take over the world with humans willingly maintaining them. Such a new idea with many twists. It is a definite must read!
Follow a family and others they band with after an archaeologist unknowingly releases an old species that live on and convert humans. They are lead by a hierarchy with plans to take over the world with humans willingly maintaining them. Such a new idea with many twists. It is a definite must read!
January 19, 2020
Excellent Book
The author out did herself with this fantastic story. A virus spreading, and ancient history all combined into a fascinating tale of human survival and the desire of the ancients to once again try and take over the world. No spoilers but read this book! I look forward to the next book and finding out how Darren and DJ will help end this blight on humanity.
The author out did herself with this fantastic story. A virus spreading, and ancient history all combined into a fascinating tale of human survival and the desire of the ancients to once again try and take over the world. No spoilers but read this book! I look forward to the next book and finding out how Darren and DJ will help end this blight on humanity.
January 21, 2020
Wow!
I've read just about everything from this author. I love the way she writes. She makes the characters come to life and tells great stories. This book was no exception. It was a good story with characters you can understand and like. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read.
I've read just about everything from this author. I love the way she writes. She makes the characters come to life and tells great stories. This book was no exception. It was a good story with characters you can understand and like. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read.
March 16, 2020
Would not recommend
The story jumps back and forth and I was unable to keep track of who was who. The story was so bad that I skimmed through the last few chapters. I couldn't wait for it to end. The ending was really disappointing. I turned the last page and couldn't believe she would end it like that.
The story jumps back and forth and I was unable to keep track of who was who. The story was so bad that I skimmed through the last few chapters. I couldn't wait for it to end. The ending was really disappointing. I turned the last page and couldn't believe she would end it like that.
July 29, 2020
Was this supposed to be comedy or drama or a mix? First it’s about a virus then quickly flips to flying creatures. I love her books but won’t read the second book in this series. I know that with mobile devices correct spelling seems optional, but there were so many spelling errors in this book that it was a little tedious to keep rereading sentences to figure out the author’s intention.
June 21, 2022
Rise, Book 1
A good story. I'm just about to purchase Book 2 so I can continue the journey with Darren, DJ, Davis, et al. A little disappointed in the poor editing near the end. Quite a few typos, a pet peeve of mine and unlike the other Druga books I've read. Onward to Book 2 I go...
A good story. I'm just about to purchase Book 2 so I can continue the journey with Darren, DJ, Davis, et al. A little disappointed in the poor editing near the end. Quite a few typos, a pet peeve of mine and unlike the other Druga books I've read. Onward to Book 2 I go...
November 3, 2022
Ms. Druga,
Please, please, PLEASE hire an editor. The number of incomplete sentences, typos, grammar errors, and misspelled words truly distracts from your story.
I trudged through Book One, but the amount of errors in the second chapter of Book Two convinced me to file this book under “could not finish”.
Please, please, PLEASE hire an editor. The number of incomplete sentences, typos, grammar errors, and misspelled words truly distracts from your story.
I trudged through Book One, but the amount of errors in the second chapter of Book Two convinced me to file this book under “could not finish”.
December 8, 2023
I was unable to finish reading this book. Although I was mildly intrigued by the story's beginning, the plot and main storyline kept shifting, which threw me off course. As a result, it became a burden to read, and I abandoned it. Druga might have achieved greater success if she had simply given each of these pervasive ideas its own book or short story.
July 24, 2024
Great story
I really liked the storyline. You have serious business, funny business, action, suspense and adventure. A great cast of characters, but one died already and I was not happy. Seems like it's going to be a good series. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction.
I really liked the storyline. You have serious business, funny business, action, suspense and adventure. A great cast of characters, but one died already and I was not happy. Seems like it's going to be a good series. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction.
January 15, 2020
Apocalyptic virus brings out the vampires
Not nearly as nightmare inducing as her more realistic apocalyptic stories....but entertaining and I’m not mad I read it...and I’ll read the next one because this story is far from finished.
Not nearly as nightmare inducing as her more realistic apocalyptic stories....but entertaining and I’m not mad I read it...and I’ll read the next one because this story is far from finished.
January 15, 2020
Another good book by the author!
I look forward to every new book by Jacqueline Drugs, and this one didn't disappoint! Definitely a SciFi thriller that keeps and holds your interest. A must-read!
I look forward to every new book by Jacqueline Drugs, and this one didn't disappoint! Definitely a SciFi thriller that keeps and holds your interest. A must-read!
January 15, 2020
A Druga Best "Rise"
Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good."
Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good."
January 17, 2020
Knocked it out of the park
I've been reading Jackie druga for years and she continues to evolve. When I saw the cover, I knew we were in for something new and wow. It's still post a but a great variant on the theme. Can't wait for the next one
I've been reading Jackie druga for years and she continues to evolve. When I saw the cover, I knew we were in for something new and wow. It's still post a but a great variant on the theme. Can't wait for the next one
January 21, 2020
Good book
As an avid reader I have found this author's work keeps me interested all the way through the book, I have a whole library of half finished books, so it does take a good story to keep me to the end, looking forward to the next part.
As an avid reader I have found this author's work keeps me interested all the way through the book, I have a whole library of half finished books, so it does take a good story to keep me to the end, looking forward to the next part.
January 26, 2020
Good start to the series
Love this authors books. This one was different to her usual books. A virus hits but as an added dimension there are creatures that want to dominate the human race
Love this authors books. This one was different to her usual books. A virus hits but as an added dimension there are creatures that want to dominate the human race
February 1, 2020
Interesting story, but the lack of good editing continually interrupted my concentration.
The storyline was interesting. However, it suffers greatly from a lack of editing. Missing words & punctuation became annoying half way through the story and got progressively worse.
The storyline was interesting. However, it suffers greatly from a lack of editing. Missing words & punctuation became annoying half way through the story and got progressively worse.
March 28, 2020
The fever brings the darkness
You can never go wrong with a Jacqueline Drugs book. This is another in the line of amazing novel by her. First time comes the fever and things that go bump in the night. Hide & whatever you do don't answer the door.
You can never go wrong with a Jacqueline Drugs book. This is another in the line of amazing novel by her. First time comes the fever and things that go bump in the night. Hide & whatever you do don't answer the door.
April 11, 2020
Good read with a rwist
I enjoyed this book. There are some grammar and spelling errors but that did not distract from the story. If you are looking for an easy read with an apocalypse theme, give this one a try.
I enjoyed this book. There are some grammar and spelling errors but that did not distract from the story. If you are looking for an easy read with an apocalypse theme, give this one a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews